In which type of decontamination is sawdust typically used?

Sawdust is often used in the absorption method of decontamination. Absorption involves the use of materials that can soak up or retain hazardous substances, thereby containing them and preventing further spread or exposure. Sawdust, being a porous organic material, effectively absorbs liquids, including hazardous chemicals, which makes it useful in managing spills and preventing contamination of surrounding areas.

In scenarios involving hazardous materials, using sawdust helps to manage the situation by retaining the contaminant and making it easier to clean up without releasing the hazardous substances back into the environment. This method is crucial in initial response efforts to incidents involving spills, allowing for safer conditions for responders and minimizing risks to public health.

Other methods such as degradation, neutralization, or disinfection serve different purposes in the management of hazardous substances, focusing on breaking down contaminants, chemically altering them to render them harmless, or killing pathogens, respectively. However, for the specific context of solid or liquid contaminants, absorption is where sawdust plays a vital role.